Written answers

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Department of Education and Skills

School Transport

Photo of Colm BurkeColm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when school transport will be awarded to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57851/21]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.

Under the terms of the Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised school/class that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.

The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme and I am pleased to advise that an email has issued to the family offering the Special Transport Grant. School Transport is awaiting notification from the family if they wish to avail of the Special Transport Grant or are not in a position to avail of this grant. If the family is unable to avail of the Special Transport Grant, School Transport Section will establish a new transport service to cater for the pupil.

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